Hawkeye Dallas Clark: Iowa Time Machine October 5, 2002

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On October 5, 2002, Dallas Clark caught a 95-yard pass to help lift the Hawkeyes over Purdue 31-28. A standout performer for Twin River Valley High School and the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark went on to an All-Pro NFL career.

Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Clark moved with his family to Iowa and starred in multiple sports at small Twin River Valley High School in Bode. A letter-winner in football, basketball, track, and baseball, Clark racked up 160 tackles as a senior and earned first-team all-conference and second-team all-state honors. Headed to Iowa City as a walk-on, Clark initially struggled to see the field for the Hawkeyes and did not appear in any games during his freshman season. Clark got a few special teams opportunities in his sophomore season, but he didn’t truly begin building an exceptional Hawkeye legacy until he moved to tight end before the 2001 season. Clark started 10 games at tight end for Iowa in 2001, catching 38 passes for 539 yards and four touchdowns. He also played special teams, memorably recovering an onside kick to clinch a win against Penn State. Clark earned an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Conference and a scholarship.

Starting all games as a senior, Clark helped lead Iowa to its first undefeated conference season in 80 years. Against Purdue, Clark caught three passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns. In the third quarter, Clark broke a Purdue tackle and raced 95 yards for a touchdown. The catch represented the longest pass play in Kinnick Stadium history and the second-longest in school history. Clark's second touchdown came with 1:07 left in the game with the Hawkeyes down 28–24. Clark caught a seven-yard pass on fourth-and-goal from quarterback Brad Banks to give Iowa a 31–28 win.

The Indianapolis Colts drafted the first-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten, and John Mackey Award-winning tight end 24th overall in the 2003 draft. Clark went on to an 11-year NFL career. A Super Bowl XLI Champion, Clark also earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2009. With over 500 receptions and 5,000 yards, the Indianapolis Colts inducted Clark into the team’s ring of honor. #Iowa #OTD #History #Hawkeyes #NFL